May 18, 2020
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The Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA) is an industry organization in Arizona. The association’s mission is to support Arizona’s cannabis industry businesses and workers by helping them stay informed and network so they can succeed. The association works with Arizona policy makers to ensure the state’s cannabis program is fair, regulated effectively, and successful.
Cannabiz Media spoke with Tim Sultan, Executive Director of the Marijuana Industry Trade Association, to learn more about the organization and how the team at MITA uses the Cannabiz Media License Database to grow its memberships and support its strategic initiatives.
The Marijuana Industry Trade Association subscribes to the Cannabiz Media License Database for access to current, reliable information, particularly industry news and updates, as well as to connect with license holders across the state of Arizona.
Tim explains, “The main thing we work with are the dispensary operators and owners and the people working in the management at dispensaries. It’s always good to know what’s happening, and the Cannabiz Media License Database keeps us in the know.”
When Tim first heard about the Cannabiz Media License Database and got a demo of the software, he signed up for the email alerts. “Then, I didn’t think much about it really until I started receiving your amazing email updates,” he shares. “Wow. The news you guys get is way before it comes out in the media. I don’t know where you’re getting this information, but it makes me seem so smart.”
The team at the Marijuana Industry Trade Association doesn’t just review the information available in the Cannabiz Media License Database. Tim and his team actively use it to support the organization’s objectives.
As an example, he says, “In my conversations, I’m always talking to people at the companies that Cannabiz Media covers. We have a lot of multi-state operators here. We have Cresco Labs. We have Harvest headquartered here. In fact, Cannabiz Media had information last week about how the Harvest and Verano Holdings deal fell through – the $850 deal. That was the first place I heard about it. I immediately emailed Steve White, the CEO of Harvest, to find out what MITA can do and to find out what was happening.”
Tim’s team also uses the Cannabiz Media License Database to connect with license holders in a timely way. He explains, “JARS Cannabis is growing in Arizona and acquired a couple of locations that I hadn’t heard about. I heard about it from Cannabiz Media, so I contacted both the owners and they were so happy to hear from us. We were able to help them with another license they were looking at.
“The Cannabiz Media License Database has helped us get more involved in the industry and makes us look like we’re the go-to-place for information.”
The Marijuana Industry Trade Association, a Cannabiz Media Trade Association Partner, will continue to expand the organization and represent the 6,000 people who work in Arizona dispensaries and the 220,000 patients in the state.
“The Marijuana Industry Trade Association is more of an industry-wide association rather than just for the license holders,” says Tim. The association’s future objectives reflect its focus.
“Next year, after adult use goes into effect,” Tim explains, “we anticipate that our half a billion dollar industry in Arizona is going to triple to one and a half billion dollars in retails sales. MITA represents everyone. Many of those 6,000 dispensary agents who work at Arizona dispensaries have dreamed of owning a dispensary, a brand, or a cultivation site. Our job at this trade association is to make sure they have an opportunity to participate in this economy – not just as a worker, but as an owner.”
For more information about the Marijuana Industry Trade Association and to hear additional insights from Tim Sultan, follow the link and listen to Cannabiz Media’s recent Cannacurio podcast episode featuring Tim as the special guest.
To learn more about how subscribing to the Cannabiz Media License Database can help your business, follow the link and schedule a free demo.
